5 reasons why this is the best EPL season in a long time

2. Sleeping Giants set for the drop

For fans of both Aston Villa and Newcastle United, the fact that two of England’s most prestigious, most decorated clubs are on the brink of relegation may not serve as a reason why this campaign has been so gripping, but others would certainly disagree. Their respective declines may have started a few seasons back in fairness, but nonetheless, it acts as a fierce warning to any top-flight club that the Premier League is not to be taken lightly; fortunes can change in a click.

Rewind to the close of the 2009/10 season and the aforementioned Villains has secured a 6th place finish and, with it, Europa League football. No less than six seasons later and they are preparing for their first ever relegation from England’s top division, having seen two managerial axings since the start of the season (Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde).

Newcastle’s situation may not be as desperate as Villa’s, who are now 15 points from safety with five matches to play, but the sense of hostility towards the players from the fans will not help their chances. Managers have been in and out like running water, while the radical overhaul of the squad has only worsened circumstances, leaving the Magpies in a desolate situation.

It’s heartbreaking for both sides, but it makes for great entertainment and reminds us just how brutal England’s elite league can be.